Alexandra Emmeline
'Infest'
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Stemming from a fascination for insects and their behaviours, Alexandra's work takes influence from the varying colours, patterns and metamorphosis in the natural world. The 'Infest' collection shows a transition of beetles infesting a space and then morphing and degrading. Through the use of fine detailed beadwork and embroidery, Alexandra mimics patterns found in the natural world and then works from this to depict a beautiful but grotesque process of infesting a space and body. The beetle shapes become synonymous with organ-like pieces displayed through large red leather necklaces and brooches. The infestation narrative ends with a shirt, embroidered with beaded forms that suggest the insects have intruded our privacy and personal belongings.
Medium 'Infest' Beetle Brooch
'Infest' Beetle Brooches
Transferring Skills into Leather
Pictured here is the making of the Colony 1 Necklace (top) alongside three of the 'Infest' Beetle Brooches (centre) placed upside down, exposing the pins and showing how the beading and leather then translates into the Colony 1 necklace.
Work in progress showing the making of the Colony 1 Necklace and the brooch pins of three beetle brooches
The Design Process
"I work best from building a large body of research through various methods of drawing. For the 'Infest' collection, I created a sketchbook that explored insects both in detail and as quick abstract shapes. This wide range of drawings then informs the designs I make for three-dimensional models to finished pieces of jewellery. The best way to determine what the subject of a project will be is to draw what you love and what will sustain your interest throughout the duration of the project."
Sketchbook Drawings
Alexandra Emmeline
'Infest'
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